What Makes a Bike Rack Rated for Trailer Use

Question

Question:

I have read about RV Rated bike racks, but have never seen a clear definition of this term. I have a hitch receiver bolted to the frame of a travel trailer and a hitch-mounted rack that isnt RV rated, but I seem to have no problems with it. I have carried 2 bikes on the rack with no apparent issues. I am wondering what specifically makes certain bike racks RV rated a Swagman Dispatch Platform, for example while others that also plug into receiver hitches A Thule T2 Pro XTR, for example are not.

asked by: Gary

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

A trailer rated bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead# S63381 has been tested and approved by Swagman to be used on a trailer. The Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH69TX is not. What this means for a customer is that if you were to use the Thule T2 Pro XTR behind a trailer and the rack was damaged it would not be warrantied because it was not used in the fashion intended. The # TH69TX is rated for use on a motorhome, but not other types of RVs.

The reason some racks are not approved for trailer use is the because of the additional movement at the back of a trailer created from the longer wheel base and less sophisticated suspension. There is more leverage created at the rear. This puts additional strain on anything that is being carried on a trailer hitch receiver.

Some bike rack manufactures, like Swagman, design a number of racks for trailer use while others have stayed away from the market altogether.

expert reply by: Charles S

1

Phill

7/17/2020

OK - So what's the deal the Swagman Semi 4.0 is listed in your best racks for RV but then this "Expert Reply" says its not RV rated.

Reply

Chris R.

7/22/2020

I'm really sorry for the confusion. The Swagman Semi 4 Bike Rack # S64698-99 is rated for use behind a motorhome RV but NOT behind a pull behind trailer. We will get this page updated to clarify. If you need a 4-bike rack to attach behind a trailer, the Yakima LongHaul # Y02476 is a really great option.

Reply

Answer 1

I have another option for you, but the Stallion Stabilizer Jacks - 7" Drop Leg Travel - 22-1/4" - Qty 2 #288-01892-2 you were looking at is only designed for small cargo and camper trailers. For your 2010 Forest River Sunseeker Motorhome…

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Answer 2

Yes, the folding feature is the difference that allows the non-folding version of the Trailhead, #S63381, to work with RVs and the folding version, #S63380, to be excluded. The folding feature creates a point of movement and a point of potential…

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Answer 3

The Curt platform bike rack #C18087 only can carry bikes up to 45 lb but it can fit tire widths up to 3 inches so if there's a way to take 5 lbs of the bike like by removing the battery it would work well for you.

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Answer 4

Only certain bike racks are rated for use at the back of an RV or trailer but the Hollywood Racks #HR1400Z bike rack is not one of them. Generally, any rack that can fold or tilt, with few exceptions, won't be rated for this applications. The…

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Answer 5

The Reese #RP74FR is more of a generic fit, like the one that comes with the pin box #RP34FR. The #SWW-06 has a more of a cone shape to match up to the funnel of the B&W Companion #BWRVK3670 and will spread the pressure more evenly across the…

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Answer 6

Not all bike racks are rated for use on the back of a 5th wheel trailer because of the extra stress that occurs with items hanging on a hitch there; bike racks that are rated for this use typically will have a reinforced or solid shank. The Swagman…

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Answer 7

Curt 4 Bike Platform Rack #C18087 has adjustable ratcheting arms to secure bikes at their top frame tubes, but in cases where the bike has a step-through frame that sits too low for a good fit on the rack all you need is a simple adapter bar like…

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Answer 8

Hello, not knowing your exact vehicle type I can not give you exact numbers. The measurements are from the center of the hitch pin hole. The Curt 4 Bike Platform Rack #C18087 will be approximately 13-15 inches to the first wheel hoop. It will have…

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Answer 9

Yes. The Curt 4-Bike Rack #C18086 weighs 86 pounds. If you're looking for a lightweight 4-bike carrier check out the Swagman Trailhead 4-Bike Rack for 2" Hitches #S63381. It's a a solid rack and it only weighs about 30 pounds.

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Answer 10

That's an excellent question, and the way weight distribution hitches work in regards to rating is that you need to take into account your total tongue weight, which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded trailer, plus the weight of any cargo…

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